And just like that, one program’s loss becomes another’s gain. After informing the Tiger coaching staff that he would enter the spring transfer portal a bit over a week ago, former LSU edge rusher Jaxon Howard has made the decision to transfer back to his home state with the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Former LSU edge rusher Jaxon Howard is officially headed back home. Growing up in Minneapolis, MN, the former high four-star recruit made quite the gamble by traveling south to play for the Tigers in Baton Rouge.
Unfortunately, despite showing plenty of promise in flashes over the past year or so, he’s elected to to transfer back up north to play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers in 2024.
BREAKING: Former LSU EDGE Jaxon Howard has Committed to Minnesota, he tells @on3sports
The 6’4 248 EDGE will have all 4 years of eligibility remaining
“I’m back 612”https://t.co/hwloZKoc0V pic.twitter.com/hzckOIDZIy
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 19, 2024
Rated as a four-star recruit in the class of 2023, Howard was one of the better signees for coach Brian Kelly in last year’s cycle. Furthermore, ranking No. 131 nationally, according to 247Sports, and standing at 6-foot-4, 241 pounds, it wasn’t hard to see the future impact potential as a part of the purple and gold.
In his one season with the program, the former Robbinsdale Cooper High School standout struggled to find consistent time on the field, but still managed to record two tackles and a quarterback hurry in his five appearances.
As a part of the Minnesota football program, Howard could have an opportunity for some immediate snaps on defense. While he’ll be battling several seasoned veterans, the former LSU edge rusher has some major talent that could be difficult for head coach PJ Fleck to keep off the field this coming season.
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